Singapore
Name Beverage Container Return Scheme [1] Date Implemented April 1, 2026 with a “transition period” until September 30, 2026. Containers Covered All prepackaged containers in plastic and metal containers from 150 mL to 3L. Glass is excluded. Beverages Covered All pre-packaged beverages, including water, soft drinks, juices, dairy, juice concentrates/cordials, and alcohol. [2] Amount of Deposit 10¢ […]
Finland
Finland has two laws dealing with beverage container recycling. One levies a tax on non-refillable containers, and one offers a refundable deposit as an alternative to the tax. Waste Management Act (646/2011) Law Summary Exempts certain containers with refundable deposits from the tax Date Implemented 1996 (Cans) / 2008 (PET) / 2012 (Glass) Containers Covered […]
Poland
Law Summary Act on packaging management and packaging waste Date Enacted August 30, 2023 Date Implemented October 1, 2025 [1] Containers Covered PET bottles up to 3L Metal cans up to 1L Glass bottles up to 1.5L Beverages Covered TBD Beverages Not Covered TBD Containers Covered TBD Amount of Deposit 50 groszy for PET bottles […]
Austria
Austria has two laws dealing with beverage container deposits: the 1990 Order puts a deposit on refillable plastic bottles, while the 2021 Amendment puts a deposit on single-use containers. Each piece of legislation has its own labeled table; see below for the two separate laws. 2021 Government Decision on Single-Use Deposit Return System Law Summary […]
Romania
Law Summary Government Emergency Ordinance No. 1074/2018 Date Implemented November 30, 2023 Containers Covered Containers between 0.1L and 3L made of: Glass Plastic Metal Beverages Covered Juices and nectars Carbonated soft drinks Still water Mineral and flavored water Beer and beer mixes Cider Wine and spirits Alcoholic drink mixes Amount of Deposit 0.50 RON Fees […]
The Netherlands
Law Summary 2003 Verpakkingsverordening Productschap Dranken (“Packaging Management Decree”) Date Implemented Enacted in 2004, implemented in 2005 Containers & Beverages Covered Plastic containers and metal cans <1 L [1]: Water Soft drinks Refundable Deposit PET plastic bottles: €0.15 (US $0.28) Refillable glass beer bottles: €0.10 (US $0.11) Handling Fees VBR: 0.06250€ ($0.071) per bottle Unclaimed […]
Germany
Law Summary ORDINANCE ON THE AVOIDANCE OF PACKAGING WASTE makes manufacturers responsible for taking back the packaging of their products and sets targets for refilling and recycling rates. Date Implemented 1/1/2003(Packaging ordinance was passed 7/1/1991, but container deposits were not put into effect until 2003; later updated in 2023) Containers Covered Glass, aluminum, and plastic […]
Portugal
Law Law 69/2018, of December 26 (“Lei No. 69/2018, de 26 de dezembro” [1] Date Implemented April 10, 2026 Containers Covered Non-reusable PET plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel cans up to 3L. Glass and drink boxes are not covered by the Portugal DRS. [2] Beverages Covered Bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, juices and nectars, energy drinks, […]
Malta
Name Beverage Containers Recycling Regulations 2020- LN 311/2020, under the Environment Protection Act Enacted 07/01/2020 Date Implemented 11/14/2022 Containers Covered Beverages containers between 100 ml to 3 liters in metal, glass, and PET. Excludes refillable containers. Beverages Covered Water and flavored water Carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks Ciders, beers, and other malt beverages Ready to […]
Hungary
Law Summary Certain Energy and Waste Management Acts, Date Implemented January 1, 2024 Containers Covered Glass, metal, and plastic beverage products between 0.1 – 3L Beverages Covered All beverages excluding milk and milk-based beverage products Beverages Not Covered Milk and milk-based beverage products Amount of Deposit HUF 50 Fees and Taxes RVM handling fee: HUF […]